Not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep? A few simple changes to your diet might help. Because these foods are good for you, you might fall asleep faster than you have in a while after eating them at lunch and dinner:
Avocados are known for their superfood qualities. They have a lot of unsaturated fat, which is good for you and helps your body do many things, like making your brain work better. The high fat levels can also increase serotonin, the hormone that helps your brain relax for sleep.
Most foods that keep your digestive tract on track are also good for sleep. When your gut’s happy, your brain’s happy, and your body is more able to relax for bedtime. Artichokes help keep your digestive tract moving in the right direction by increasing the number of good bacteria in your gut. This could help you get a great night’s sleep.
You know how you feel sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner? That’s partly because your stomach is full, and partly because of the turkey. Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid that naturally increases melatonin, a sleep hormone, in the body.
Since beef is also a big source of tryptophan, eating steak may make you feel sleepy like turkey does. If you want to fall asleep, it’s best to eat steak late at night or early in the morning. This gives your body plenty of time to digest the meat and metabolize the tryptophan.
Steak University has cooking tips, recipes, and ideas that will make you want to drool for a healthy steak dinner.
Several nuts are nutrient-rich and crucial to a heart-healthy and brain-healthy diet because they contain good fats. Not only are walnuts and almonds full of vitamins and nutrients, but they may also help you get a good night’s sleep. There are a lot of omega-3 fatty acids in these nuts. These acids turn into DHA, which makes more serotonin.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in large amounts in fatty fish, such as tuna, salmon, and halibut. These acids are good for your brain and sleep. Several types of fish also have vitamin D, which is an important vitamin for many bodily functions and is also linked to good sleep patterns.
Some of the best foods to eat to get a good night’s sleep are those that are healthy, filling, and full of nutrients. Legumes fit the bill because, like turkey and steak, they contain tryptophan that converts to serotonin and melatonin. Foods like lima beans, chickpeas, and black beans are legumes. They can be used in burritos, rice bowls, soups, and salads.
Complex carbohydrates in whole grains help your body digest food better and give it the energy it needs to do metabolic tasks. Because whole grains help keep your body and blood sugar in check, they can help you sleep better. Simple carbs, like rice, white bread, and sugary foods, can throw off your blood sugar levels and make it hard for your body to relax before bed.
Beef is a beloved staple across many diets Who doesn’t love a juicy burger or tender steak? But some people report feeling sleepy and lethargic after eating beef Is there any truth to the idea that beef can make you tired? Let’s analyze the science behind how beef affects energy levels,
Why Beef Might Make You Tired
There are a few reasons why some people experience fatigue after eating beef
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It’s high in fat – Beef contains saturated fat and cholesterol which takes considerable energy to break down. Your body has to work harder to digest beef versus lower-fat proteins.
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It’s tough to break down because the fats and proteins in beef take longer to pass through your body. This sends blood to your gut to help digestion, which means your body has less blood to use for energy.
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It contains tryptophan – Beef provides this amino acid that stimulates serotonin production Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that induces feelings of relaxation and sleepiness
Because of this, beef has energy-giving nutrients like iron, zinc, and B12, but its high fat content and tryptophan may make some people feel sleepy after eating it.
Tips to Avoid Feeling Tired From Beef
If you experience fatigue or sluggishness after eating beef, here are some tips:
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Choose leaner cuts of beef with less fat, like eye of round or 93% lean ground beef.
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Eat smaller portion sizes, limiting beef to no more than 6 ounces per meal.
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Avoid eating large beef meals right before tasks requiring concentration or physical exertion.
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Balance beef with energizing sides like brown rice, quinoa, or roasted veggies.
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Stay hydrated by sipping water with meals to support digestion.
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Take a brief walk after eating to aid digestion and blood flow.
The Best and Worst Beef Cuts for Energy
Certain cuts of beef are better choices than others if you’re prone to fatigue or sluggishness after eating:
Best Beef for Energy
- Flank steak
- 95% lean ground beef
- Eye of round
- Top sirloin
- Tenderloin
- Top loin steak
Beef Cuts to Limit
- Prime rib
- Ribeye
- Ground chuck
- Brisket
- Short ribs
- Porterhouse steak
Choose leaner cuts of beef, and moderate your portions to avoid excess fat intake. Grass-fed varieties are also lower in fat than conventional beef.
Healthier Ways to Prepare Beef
How you prepare beef also influences its effects on energy levels:
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Grill, broil, roast, or pan-sear to allow fat to drip away.
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Avoid deep-frying or serving beef with heavy, creamy sauces.
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Pair beef with vegetables vs. starchy sides to balance the meal.
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Marinate beef in acidic ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine to tenderize.
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Use rubs and spice blends instead of buttery basting sauces.
Should You Avoid Eating Beef?
While beef may contribute to fatigue in some instances, it can still be part of a healthy diet in moderation. Lean beef provides many important nutrients, including:
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Iron: Critical for oxygen transport and energy production.
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Zinc: Boosts immune health and cell growth.
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Protein: Builds and repairs muscles and tissues.
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B-vitamins: Aid metabolism and nutrient conversion to energy.
Just practice portion control, choose leaner cuts, and balance beefy meals with energizing sides and you can likely enjoy it without the fatigue.
Foods to Eat for Lasting Energy
If you’re looking for meals that provide more sustained energy, here are some smart options:
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Oatmeal with fruit
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Whole grain toast with peanut butter
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Burritos with chicken, black beans, veggies
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Broiled salmon with quinoa and greens
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Veggie & hummus wrap
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Greek yogurt with berries and almonds
These provide a healthy combo of long-burning carbs, fiber, plant-based protein, and healthy fats to balance your energy all day long without fatigue.
Sample Beef-Centric Meal Plan for Energy
Here is a sample high-protein meal plan incorporating lean beef options:
Breakfast: Veggie omelet with 1 oz shredded cheese, salsa, avocado
Lunch: Shrimp lettuce wrap tacos (4 oz shrimp, lettuce leaves, pico de gallo, hot sauce)
Dinner: 3 oz flank steak, 1/2 cup roasted Brussels sprouts, 1/2 cup quinoa
Snacks: 1 oz mozzarella cheese stick, mixed nuts (1/4 cup), apple with 1 Tbsp peanut butter
Aim for 25-30 grams of protein per meal, incorporating plant sources like beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Stay hydrated with water between meals.
The Takeaway on Beef and Fatigue
While beef can contribute to post-meal fatigue due to its high fat and protein content, you need not avoid it altogether. Instead, opt for leaner cuts, watch your portions, and round out your plate with energizing carbs and veggies. This allows you to enjoy the nutritional benefits of beef without the sluggish after-effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does red meat make you tired?
Red meat like beef contains fat that takes considerable energy to digest. It also contains the amino acid tryptophan which converts to serotonin and melatonin, hormones that induce relaxation and sleepiness.
Is beef harder to digest than chicken or fish?
Yes, beef typically takes longer to digest than poultry, fish, and plant proteins. The high saturated fat content requires more digestive effort, which can result in fatigue.
Should you avoid eating beef if you have low energy?
You don’t necessarily have to avoid beef altogether. Just opt for leaner cuts like sirloin or 95% lean ground beef in smaller portions. Balance with energizing plant foods and stay hydrated.
What’s the healthiest way to cook beef?
Grilling, broiling, roasting and pan-searing are best to allow excess fat to drain away. Avoid frying or serving beef with heavy sauces. Acidic marinades can tenderize to allow quicker digestion as well.
Is beef bad for your heart health?
In large amounts, the saturated fat in beef raises LDL cholesterol, increasing heart disease risk. But as part of a vegetable-rich diet in moderation, lean beef can be incorporated into an overall heart-healthy eating pattern.
Transform Your Foods into a Sleep-Inducing Diet
Plenty of activity and healthy foods may be all you need to get the restful nights you deserve. As soon as you start eating more whole grains, leafy greens, beans, nuts, fish, and steak, your sleeping habits will probably start to get better. If you want to try our steaks, you can order them easily from our website. Chicago Steak Company only sells the best boneless and bone-in steaks.